Deli reels in a top national award

A POPULAR seafood deli has proved the catch of the day – after reeling in a prestigious national award.

Family-run Latimer’s Seafood Deli and Cafe, based in Bents Road, Whitburn, has been crowned Fishmonger of the Year in the Farmshop and Deli awards, seeing off competition from more than 500 entrants.

The awards recognise the cream of the crop in the speciality retail market, with a field of expert food and drink experts on hand to lead the judging process, with the public nominating their favourite dining spots.

Robert Latimer, who runs the deli alongside wife Ailsa, was delighted to put success on the menu.

Mr Latimer said: “To be crowned Fishmonger of the Year is incredible.

“We feel honoured and are totally thrilled with this national award – to be judged as the best at what we do within the UK is fantastic.

“Thanks go to our loyal customers, the fishermen who land to us and to all our hard-working team. Our customers have helped us achieve this award by voting for us, in store and online.

“We were genuinely touched by some of the lovely comments we received, it really does make all the hard-work worthwhile.”

Mr Latimer was keen to make sure the fisherman who help stock his eatery netted some well-deserved praise.

Mr Latimer, who himself used to be a lone creel fisherman off the West Coast of Scotland, added: “The fishermen who go out to sea day in day out, deserve a big pat on the back too.

“They really look after their catches that they land to us.

“Well done lads, they are the unsung heroes in all of this.”

The award isn’t the first compliments that have been dished out to the deli, with staff toasting a Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food for their tasty roasted smoked salmon last year.